Sussex UKIP councillor defects after Brexit vote

UKIP councillor Peter Charlton has defected to the Conservative party after last week's Brexit vote. SUS-160107-163843001

Published:16:45Friday 01 July 2016

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A prominent UKIP councillor has defected to the Conservative party following last week’s Brexit vote.

East Sussex county councillor for Ouse Valley East Peter Charlton resigned from the party and joined the Conservative party following the results of the referendum vote on Thursday, June 23.

Cllr Charlton, who sits on both the adult social care and children’s services scrutiny committees, said he hoped to ‘play a small part in making sure the Conservatives do what the country have asked of them’.

In an open letter sent to the Sussex Express, Cllr Charlton said: “I have now resigned from the UKIP Party and have joined the Conservatives. I have fought for nearly 22 years to return full sovereignty to Parliament.

“No man, no party is bigger that my country. It has been a long road with bloodshed and tears along the way.

“I served in the Armed Forces from 1978 and 1984, ready to fight and die for Queen and country. I now feel that I have played a small part in achieving full democracy and freedom from a failed political ruling class.

“I also feel that I can play a small part in making sure the Conservatives do what the country have asked of them. I feel that I can also carry on fighting for my constituents in what they want to achieve.

“Many will know the hard work that I have done and I will carry on fighting for them in the only way I know. Perseverance and doggedness.”